New Mexico cancels lease at remote Epstein ranch

Associated PressSeptember 04, 2019 05:11 PM

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - The state land commissioner is canceling grazing land leases at deceased financier Jeffrey Epstein's secluded ranch in central New Mexico that she says were used to cast a veil of secrecy.

Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard on Wednesday notified holding company Cypress Inc. that leases have been canceled on two state trust land parcels at Epstein's Zorro Ranch near the town of Stanley.

Epstein killed himself in a New York jail cell Aug. 10 while awaiting his sex trafficking trial and inquiries continue into whether his alleged crimes were abetted.

Garcia Richard says access to inspect a state holding within the private ranch was refused repeatedly in August. She also cites misrepresentations in the lease application process that include appraisements signed by former Epstein girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell.